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Slippery Elm Staghorn Sumac Shortleaf Pine
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Scientific Name
Ulmus rubra
Rhus typhina
Pinus echinata
Family
Ulmaceae
Altingiaceae
Pinaceae
Species Description
Prefers uplands and mesic sites. Tolerates restricted root space. Attractive vase-shaped silhouette. Dutch elm disease is of high concern when considering planting this species, check for resistant varieties as available.
Small tree that forms large colonies. Grows well on disturbed sites and in range of conditions. Produces red clusters of berries that persist through winter. Colony must form from female plants to have fruit.
Native range mostly in Southeast U.S., but commonly planted for lumber. Blue-green needles. Grows on dry, rocky soil, which gives this species high drought tolerance.
Climate Tolerance
Good
NA
NA
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 9
3 to 8
6 to 9
Wildlife Benefits
Seeds/buds food source to birds, small mammals; moth/butterfly host
Nectar/pollen source for bees, butterflies; berries winter food source for birds; moth/butterfly host
Seeds food source for birds, small mammals; host to Imperial moth and Pine elfin butterfly
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
185
54
NA
Pollination Type
Wind
Pollinator
Wind
Bloom Time
Winter (Dec-Jan)
Summer (Jun-Jul)
Spring (Feb-Mar)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade
Full Sun to Part Shade
Full Sun
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Red
Yellow
Brown
Green
White
Yellow
Yellow
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Tall Shrub (5-15 ft)
Large (75-100 ft)
Form
Tree
Shrub
Tree
Growth Rate
Rapid
Rapid
Rapid
Lifespan
Long (>200 yrs)
Short (<100 yrs)
Medium (100-200 yrs)
Soil Type
Loam
Clay
Loam
Sand
Rocky
Loam
Sand
Silt
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist
Dry - Moist
Dry
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC
UPL
UPL
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae
Arbuscular mycorrhizae
Ectomycorrhizae
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant
Tolerant
Sensitive
Pest & Pathogen Risks
High; Dutch elm disease
Very Low
Low; Pine weevil, pine sawfly
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant
Tolerant
Tolerant
Urban Stress Tolerance
High
High
Medium
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive
Tolerant
Sensitive
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant
Tolerant
Tolerant
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
Not Native to NE Ohio
Coefficient of Conservatism
3
2
8
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Native Status
OH-Native
OH-Native
OH-Native
NatureServe G-rank
G5
G5
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Common
  • Oak Mixed: Rare
  • Alluvial: Abundant
  • Red Maple Mixed: Occasional
  • Ruderal: Rare
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
  • Beech Mixed: Absent
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Absent
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Rare
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
  • Beech Mixed: Absent
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Absent
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Rare